Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Upset” — 4 Other Ways to Say It
Feeling sad, worried, or annoyed about something that happened.
Meaning of Upset
Unhappy, angry, or emotionally disturbed about something.
How to Pronounce Upset
IPA: /ʌpˈsɛt/ Stress: oO
Stress the second syllable: up-SET with weak first syllable.
4 Synonyms for Upset — Words Similar to Upset
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
sad
/sæd/Feeling unhappy or upset about something that happened.
Example: She felt sad when her friend moved away.
angry
/ˈæŋɡri/Having a feeling of strong displeasure or rage about something. You show this emotion with your face and voice.
Example: She was angry when her friend broke her favorite toy.
Smart Synonyms for Upset — When to Use Each
sad
when feeling sorrow or grief emotion
angry
when the emotion involves irritation
distressed
when expressing severe emotional turmoil
Antonyms of Upset — Opposite Words
How to Use Upset and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- She was upset when she heard the bad news. A2
- The upset students protested the unfair grading decision. B1
- He looked upset after his argument with his friend. A2
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Upset
What is another word for "upset"?
Common synonyms for "upset" include: sad, angry, annoyed, distressed.
What can I say instead of "upset"?
Try one of these alternatives: sad, angry, annoyed, distressed. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "upset" formal or informal?
"upset" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "upset" instead of "sad"?
Use "upset" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "sad" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.
What are the antonyms of "upset"?
Words with the opposite meaning of "upset" include: happy, calm, pleased.